(1)  A good fencing design and installation company will first visit your property and then provide you with a free, written proposal.  Avoid working with a company that gives estimates by phone without seeing your property first.

(2)  The estimator/consultant is your first view of the company you are considering.  The estimator/consultant should be knowledgeable, prompt and courteous.

(3)  Make sure the work proposal covers all the details, including the type of fence, gates, materials, and footage requirements. Be wary of a company whose price is significantly lower than the other proposals you have considered.

(4)  Ask the company if  it has a project portfolio that you can view to determine the initial quality of their work.

(5)  You may want to view a project first hand.  Some companies will provide addresses of past projects.  This provides additional insight into the company’s work quality and is particularly helpful if you are having difficulty visualizing how a particular fence type will look once it is installed.

(6)  Use a local fencing company.  If you have a problem, you may want to be able to drive to their office (or have a decision maker drive to your property) so you can come to some kind of resolution.  On the positive side, a visit to their headquarters will give you an idea of how they do business.  If they run a clean, tight ship, chances are your project will be run the same way.

(7)  Use a company that has been in business for at least two years.  Even if the company is young, find out who the principals are and how long they have been in the fencing business.  You will most likely receive a better product from a company that is staffed by highly trained, seasoned fence installation professionals as opposed to a home improvement generalist.

(8)  Ask the fencing company representative if they hold certifications such as the CFP (Certified Fence Professional).

(9)  Ask the company about their warranties.  A good fence installation company will honor manufacturers’ warranties for materials defects.  The best companies will do that and provide a warranty supporting their own workmanship.

(10)  Contractors should carry personal liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.  Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance.  Otherwise, you may be held liable for any injuries and damages that can occur during a project.

(11)  When comparing estimates or proposals, make sure each one is based on (a) same scope of work, (b) same set of specifications, (c) the same set of plans.  If your contractor suggests deviations, ask that they be presented as options.